Travel perks, personalized planning, and someone in your corner when things don't go according to plan.

What if you could book the same hotel, pay a comparable rate, and get a few extra perks just by booking through a travel advisor?

Sounds pretty good, right? And no, there's no catch involving a timeshare presentation.

When I tell people I've started a travel design business, I sometimes get the impression they think I'm charging extra to do something they could easily do themselves.

And sure, you can absolutely book your own vacation. I've been doing it for years!

But there's more to being a travel advisor than finding a beautiful hotel and clicking the reservation button.

So let's talk about how Curious Paths Travel works, why I partnered with Fora Travel, and what booking through me could mean for your next adventure.

How Do Travel Advisors Make Money?

Here's something that surprises people: booking through a travel advisor doesn't necessarily cost more.

For eligible bookings, hotels and other travel suppliers pay commissions to Fora, and I receive a share of those commissions. This means I can often handle straightforward reservations without charging you an additional planning fee.

Not every booking earns a commission, though. And when a trip requires extensive research, custom itineraries, or group coordination, I charge a separate planning fee, which we'll discuss upfront.

So if you're already eyeing that gorgeous boutique hotel in Mexico or a romantic getaway in Italy, why not see if I can get you a few extra perks?

Hotel Perks and Benefits You Might Be Missing

Here's where things get interesting.

Through my partnership with Fora, I have access to preferred hotel programs, special rates, and benefits that aren't always available when booking independently.

Depending on the property and rate, these may include:

• Complimentary daily breakfast
• Hotel or resort credits
• Welcome amenities
• Early check-in or late check-out, when available
• Potential room upgrades

Of course, perks vary by hotel, and upgrades aren't guaranteed.

But sometimes I can book the same room at a comparable rate with added benefits. Other times, I might find a better rate altogether.

It's not always about spending less. Sometimes it's about getting more for what you're already spending.

And personally, I love a beautiful hotel, but I also appreciate getting my money's worth. Who doesn't?

Personal Experience, Backed by Travel Experts

I've spent years planning solo adventures, romantic getaways, and trips with friends. I've traveled solo through Istanbul, explored Guatemala, and even convinced a few people I love to climb a volcano with me. Apparently, not everyone considers that a relaxing vacation. Shocking, I know.

What I've learned is simple: there's no single perfect vacation. There's the vacation that's right for you.

Some people want to spend five days on a beach doing absolutely nothing. Others want adventure, culture, incredible food, or a little of everything. My job is to understand what makes a trip special to you.

And through Fora, I have access to destination specialists, hotel partnerships, ongoing training, and a worldwide community of travel advisors. If I haven't personally visited somewhere, I can connect with people who have.

It's my own travel experience and curiosity, combined with a network of experts, that helps me create thoughtful, personalized trips.

Can You Still Earn Credit Card and Hotel Loyalty Points?

Often, yes!

You can typically continue earning credit card rewards when paying for eligible travel with your preferred card. Hotel loyalty points and elite benefits may also apply, depending on the property, rate, and booking method.

Have points saved up for flights? I also have access to point.me, which helps me search for award flights and explore ways to make the most of your points. Availability varies, and some redemptions need to be booked directly through your loyalty program.

I want you to make the most of the rewards you've already earned, too!

Something Goes Wrong? I'm Your Girl.

Even the best-planned vacations don't always go according to plan.

Maybe your hotel can't find your reservation. Your airport transfer doesn't show up. Or the room you booked isn't quite what you expected.

Instead of spending your vacation figuring out whom to call, you have someone who can help communicate with the hotel or travel provider and work toward a solution.

I can't promise every problem will disappear instantly, but I won't just hand you an itinerary and wish you luck.

I want you to feel supported before, during, and after your trip.

Because the whole point of a vacation is to enjoy yourself, not spend half of it on hold with customer service.

How Can You Work With Curious Paths Travel?

Here's something I'd really love people to know: you don't need an extravagant vacation or a fully planned itinerary to work with me.

Already found a hotel you love? Perfect! Send me the details before booking. I may be able to secure additional benefits at a comparable rate, often without an additional planning fee.

Love researching your own adventures but hate dealing with the booking logistics? I get it! I'm happy to help with straightforward reservations while you plan the fun stuff.

And if you'd rather leave the research and planning to me, I offer a few ways to make that happen:

• Solo Traveler Consultation ($225): A personalized 90-minute strategy session, with advance research, destination recommendations, and practical guidance for independent travelers.
• Small Group & Family Trips ($300–$500): Custom itinerary planning for families and groups of up to six, including accommodations, transportation, and activities.
• Curated Destination Packages (starting at $350): More comprehensive planning for trips to Guatemala, Holbox, Istanbul, Mexico City, Iceland, and Peru. Options range from solo itineraries to detailed multiweek adventures and coordinated group getaways.

For custom planning, we'll discuss your needs, budget, and the scope of the service before I begin the research. Planning fees reflect the time and attention involved, and you'll know the cost upfront.

You can explore my travel planning services or browse my destinations and packages to find the right fit.

Whether you want help with one reservation or an entire adventure planned from start to finish, there's a way to work together.

The Easiest Way to Support My Small Business? Let Me Book Your Trip.

Ultimately, what matters most to me is earning your trust.

When you book through Curious Paths Travel, you're not just supporting my small business. You're allowing me to do something I genuinely love: helping people discover the world in ways that feel meaningful to them.

And sometimes, supporting a small business is as simple as letting me book a hotel you were already planning to stay at.

No extravagant vacation required.

So before you book your next hotel, car rental, resort, cruise, or adventure, send me a message. Let's see what I can do for you.

Let's plan your next adventure at Curious Paths Travel.

Curious Paths Travel — Thoughtfully planned journeys, with room for curiosity.